Self-adhered flange for use with non-flanged windows

ABSTRACT

An elongated flange material for forming a flange and a method for use in sealing a non-flanged window, door, or other fenestration product in a wall opening, wherein the flange material comprises at least one top coversheet and at least one bottom coversheet with a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer sandwiched between the two coversheets, wherein the coversheets occupy an appreciable width of the flange but do not extend across the entire width of the flange and thereby are offset with respect to each other thereby providing opposing first and second exposed surfaces of the pressures sensitive adhesive layer. Alternatively, the flange material comprises a nonporous flexible sheet with top and bottom pressure-sensitive adhesive layer on opposite sides along opposite edges of the nonporous flexible sheet.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Ser. No. 11/011,669, filed on Dec., 14, 2004.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention is directed to materials and methods for sealing windows and other fenestration products from moisture intrusion.

2. Description of Related Art

Flanges or nailing fins on windows, doors and other fenestration products, in which the flange is integral to and continuous with the window frame, provide a surface that is fully connected to the window for adhesive flashing materials to adhere to, enabling the flashing product to create a continuous watertight seal at the window-wall interface in structures, such as buildings. However, flanges are not present in all windows or fenestration products (hereinafter referred to as “windows”). Non-flanged windows and windows with brickmold frames (hereinafter referred to as “brickmold windows”) are prone to moisture intrusion, due to difficulty in achieving a continuous flashing integration between the window and the wall. Thus, the typical installation method for these types of windows involves a bead of building sealant between the fenestration product and the wall, which is not a durable, continuously integrated moisture seal and is prone to failure after environmental exposure. This results in a higher tendency for moisture damage to the window and the surrounding wall, including rot and mold growth. No known methods exist to install non-flanged and brickmold windows in a way that effectively seals the window-wall interface with a continuous integration of self-adhered flashing to prevent moisture intrusion. It would be desirable to have a product and window installation method, which would integrate the window-wall interface in window systems using windows without flanges.

In addition, applied rigid flanges, which may or may not be integral to the window can be problematic in sealing the window-wall interface due to bending or cracking of the flange, or poor joint sealing. It would be desirable to have a product and window installation method that would obviate the need for rigid flanges.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention is a self-adhering flange material for sealing interfaces between fenestration products and walls, comprising at least one top coversheet and at least one bottom coversheet with a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer sandwiched between the two coversheets, wherein the coversheets occupy an appreciable width of the flange but do not extend across the entire width of the flange and thereby are offset with respect to each other thereby providing opposing first and second exposed surfaces of the pressures sensitive adhesive layer.

In another embodiment, the invention relates to a self-adhering flange material comprising:

an elongated nonporous flexible sheet having top and bottom major surfaces and a first edge and a second edge defining a width therebetween;

a top pressure-sensitive adhesive layer adhered to the top surface of the flexible sheet along the first edge over a portion of the width of the flexible sheet; and

a bottom pressure-sensitive adhesive layer adhered to the bottom surface of the flexible sheet along the second edge over a portion of the width of the flexible sheet.

This invention also encompasses various methods for installing fenestration products into walls using the subject flange materials.

Definitions

The term “flanged windows” refers to windows, doors, or other fenestration products that include a flange or nailing fin intended to cover any space between the window frame and the rough opening in the wall. The flange or fin may be integral to the fenestration product, or may be applied.

The term “non-flanged windows” refers to windows that do not include a flange intended or nailing fin to cover the space between the window frame and the rough opening in the wall.

The term “brickmold frame” refers to decorative trim attached to or integral to the window frame that covers any space between the window frame and the opening in the wall into which the window is installed. The term “brickmold window” refers to a window having a brickmold frame.

The term “window jamb” or “jamb” refers to the side of the window frame. The window jamb is typically vertical.

The term “window sill” or “sill” refers to the bottom portion of the window frame. The window sill is typically horizontal.

The term “window head” or “head” refers to the top portion of the window frame. The window head is typically horizontal.

The term “window” refers to any window, door, or other fenestration products intended to be installed in an opening in a wall.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate, without limitation, the presently contemplated embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a perspective cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the flange material of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the flange material of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the flange material of the invention.

FIGS. 4 through 6 are perspective views useful in illustrating the method of installing the flange material of the invention on a non-flanged window frame, and subsequently installing the window in an opening in a wall.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of yet another embodiment of the flange material of the invention.

FIGS. 8 through 13 are perspective and side views of a brickmold window frame useful in illustrating the method of installing the window into an opening in a wall in such a way that the flange material of the invention is formed as the window is installed.

FIGS. 14 through 17 are perspective and plan views of a brickmold window frame useful in illustrating the method of installing the window into an opening in a wall using the flange material of the invention to seal the window to the wall.

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of yet another embodiment of the flange material of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The flange material of this invention can be applied to all non-flanged windows, brickmold windows and windows having applied flanges to form a self-adhering flange that provides a means for achieving a continuous moisture seal integration of the window-wall interface. The flange additionally prevents moisture from entering around fasteners, such as nails, that penetrate the flange material and the window frame. As further described below in various installation methods, pieces of flange material are positioned at the window wall interface to form the flange. Upon installation, the flange typically comprises a head piece of flange material positioned at the top of the window-wall interface and two jamb pieces of flange material positioned at the sides of the window wall interface.

As depicted in FIG. 1, one embodiment of flange material 10 is an elongated laminate structure formed from at least one top and one bottom coversheet (12 and 16, respectively) with a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 14 sandwiched between the two coversheets. The coversheets occupy an appreciable width of the flange but do not extend across the entire width of the flange and thereby provide an apparent overlap with respect to each other. Release papers 18 that cover the adhesive surfaces are not necessarily required but aid considerably in handling and during installation as will be presented in the various installation methods to be described below. For purposes of convenience in designating portions of the flange material in FIG. 1, the width of one release paper is labeled as 10 a and the portion of the second and opposite release paper is designated as 10 c. A portion 10 b can designate the extent of overlap between the first and second coversheets in the width of the flanges.

If desired, the flange material can be fabricated in the field. For example, flange material 20 as shown in FIG. 3 can be fabricated by contacting an elongated portion of the adhesive surfaces 22 of two pieces of flexible self-adhering flashing 21 together such that the flashing pieces overlap as represented by portion 20 b and an elongated portion of each of the two adhesive surfaces as represented by 20 a and 20 c remain exposed. When fabricated in the field, the flange material of the invention can utilize, for example, flexible self-adhering flashing material that will provide a durable moisture seal to the window-wall interface. Various sizes and styles of suitable flashing material are DuPont FlexWrap™ flexible flashing or DuPont StraightFlash™ flashing, available from E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company, Wilmington, Del. (hereafter DuPont).

There is a method for installing a non-flanged window into a wall opening whereby the interface between the window and the wall is sealed using either of the flange materials described above in FIG. 1 or 3. The method described as follows uses the flange material of FIG. 1 and as illustrated in FIGS. 4-6, however it is recognized that the structure depicted in FIG. 1 is not intended to limit the steps of the method. It is further noted that FIG. 4 includes notation indicating whether the view is from inside or outside of the structure. These notations are used in FIG. 4 and other figures as matter of convenience. The steps of the method are as follows:

-   -   a) adhering a first adhesive surface as represented by 10 a of a         piece of the flange material (the “head piece” 111) to the outer         surface of the head 121 of the window and extending to the outer         surface of the upper portion of each jamb of the window;     -   b) adhering a first adhesive surface as represented by portion         10 c of a second piece of the flange material (the “jamb piece”         112) to the outer surface of the entire length of each jamb 122         of the window, thereby overlapping the head piece adhered to         each jamb in step (a) as shown in FIG. 4;     -   c) installing and securing the window 114 in the opening of wall         250, per normal procedures, such that the head of the window is         located at the top of the wall opening and the remaining         unadhered portions, as represented, for example, by portion 10 c         in FIG. 1 of the head piece and jamb pieces of step (a) and         step (b) extend outward from the wall as shown in FIG. 5;     -   d) adhering the remaining unadhered portions of the pieces of         flange material of step (a) and step (b) to the wall above the         head of the window and adjacent each jamb of the window such         that the head piece covers an upper portion of each of the jamb         pieces in a shingled manner as shown in FIG. 6.

The window is thereby sealed to the surrounding wall and any water that contacts the outer surface of the head piece will be directed downward below the top of the jamb pieces so that there is virtually no opportunity for the water to penetrate the window-wall interface.

Another embodiment of the invention is useful for sealing brickmold windows. According to this embodiment as shown in FIG. 7, the flange material 30 is an elongated material having a coversheet 32 on one surface thereof and a pressure sensitive adhesive 34 on the other surface thereof. The pressure sensitive adhesive surface is covered with release paper 36 that has perforations 37 extending along substantially parallel lines that are also substantially parallel with the lengthwise edges of the flange. As previously note in embodiments above, release papers are not necessarily required but aid considerably in handling and during installation. The release paper covers three elongated portions of the adhesive surface (30 a, 30 b and 30 c), the portions defined by the perforations in the release paper. It is noted that the number of perforations and the resultant defined portions can vary as may be required for proper installation. The flange of this embodiment is suitable for the installation of windows having brickmold frames.

One method for installing a brickmold window into a wall opening whereby the interface between the window and the wall is sealed is described in the following steps as Brickmold Method 1. This method may also be applied to windows having integral and applied flanges. The window is sealed by means of a flange material as shown in FIG. 7 having release paper perforated along two length-wise lines. Although the method will be described by reference to FIG. 7, there is no intent to limit the steps of the method. In this method, the flange is formed as the window is installed. This method is illustrated in FIGS. 8-13.

-   -   a) A first adhesive surface exposed by removing portion 30 a of         release paper 36) of a piece of flange material (“head piece”         211) is adhered to the upper surface 221 of the window frame         such that the line formed between portion 30 a and the remaining         width-wise portion of the head piece (represented by 30 b and 30         c together) is positioned in the corner between the upper         surface of the window frame and the back surface 223 of the         brickmold frame of the window. The presence of the release paper         on the remaining width-wise portion of the flashing provides a         straight edge, facilitating positioning the flange material in         the corner.     -   b) A second adhesive surface exposed by removing the central         portion 30 b of release paper 36, of the head piece is adhered         to the back surface 223 (i.e., the interior-facing side) of the         brickmold frame of the window. The remaining edge portion 30 c         of release paper remains adhered to and covering the         corresponding adhesive surface.     -   c) As shown in FIG. 8, a cut is made in the head piece 211 in         the corners between each window jamb and the back surface of the         brickmold frame on both sides of the window frame and the head         piece of flashing on both sides of the window frame is adhered         to the outside (upper) surface 222 of each window jamb.     -   d) As shown in FIG. 9, a first adhesive surface exposed by         removing portion 30 a of release paper 36 of another piece of         self-adhering flashing material (the “jamb piece” 212) is         adhered to the outer surface 222 of one of the window jambs such         that the line formed between portion 30 a and the remaining         width-wise portion of the jamb piece (represented by 30 b and 30         c together) is positioned in the corner between the outer         surface of the window jamb and the back surface of the brickmold         frame. Preferably, the top of the jamb piece 212 should not         extend more than about one inch above the window head.     -   e) A second adhesive surface exposed by removing the central         portion 30 b of release paper 36, of the jamb piece is adhered         to the back surface 223 (i.e., the interior-facing side) of the         brickmold frame. The remaining edge portion 30 c of release         paper remains adhered to the corresponding adhesive surface.     -   f) As shown in FIG. 9, a cut is made in the jamb piece directly         above the adhered portion 30 a along the outside corner between         the outer surface of the jamb and the outer surface of the head,         and the portion of the jamb piece above the cut is adhered to         the top surface 221 of the window head.     -   g) Steps (d)-(f) are repeated on the other window jamb using a         separate jamb piece of flange material (i.e., a third piece of         flange material). A side view of the window frame with the         installed pieces of flange material is shown in FIG. 10.     -   h) As shown in FIG. 11, the window frame is then installed in         the opening in the wall 250 per the window manufacturer's         recommended procedure. As shown in FIG. 12, the remaining edge         portion 30 c of release paper 36 is intact on each piece of         flange material so that the remaining release paper is facing         out away from the wall (on the outside surface of the wall)         surrounding the window.     -   i) The remaining, third adhesive surface of one of the jamb         pieces is exposed along one side of the window by removing the         remaining portion of release paper.     -   j) As shown in FIG. 13, the adhesive surface of a covering piece         of flashing 300 is adhered directly to the exposed third         adhesive surface and the adjacent wall surface thereby forming a         strong adhesive-to-adhesive seal (forming the flange) and         sealing one side of the window to the wall.     -   k) Steps (i)-(j) are repeated on the other side of the window.     -   l) Optionally, the remaining release paper is removed from the         head piece and a drip cap is installed over the top of the         window frame, and then covered by a piece of covering flashing         overlapping the top of the drip cap and the wall.     -   m) If a drip cap is not used, the remaining release paper is         removed from the head piece and a covering piece of flashing is         adhered overlapping the top of the head piece and the wall.

Another method for installing a brickmold window frame into a wall opening is designated as Brickmold Method 2, whereby the interface between the window and the wall is sealed includes the following steps. Again, this method may be used to install windows having integral and applied flanges. In this method, the flange is prepared first, and then attached to the window before the window is installed. The flange material as depicted in FIG. 2 may be used advantageously in this method. For purposes of convenience in designating portions of the flange material in FIG. 2, the width of one release paper is labeled as 18 a and 18 a′ and the portion of the second and opposite release paper is designated as 18 c and 18 c′. A portion 18 b can designate the extent of offset or overlap between the first and second coversheets in the width of the flanges. Further, it is recognized that the structure depicted in the figure is not intended to limit the steps of the method.

The method for installing a brickmold window frame using the aforementioned flange is described as follows and illustrated in FIGS. 14-17.

-   -   a) A length of the flange material (the “head flange” 311),         advantageously several inches longer than the width of the         brickmold frame, is folded along one of the perforations 19 in         the release paper to expose a line of adhesive as between 18 a         and 18 a′.     -   b) The line of adhesive is positioned in the corner along the         top of the window frame between the back surface 323 of the         brickmold frame and the upper surface 321 of the window head.     -   c) The release paper 18 a is removed from the portion of the         head flange in contact with the back surface of the brickmold         frame and adhered to the back surface of the brickmold frame.     -   d) As shown in FIG. 14, the head flange is cut at the outer         corners between the upper surface of the window head and the         outer surfaces of the jambs, and folded down on the back surface         of the brickmold frame.     -   e) Another length of the flange (the “jamb flange” 312),         advantageously a few inches longer than the height of the         brickmold frame is folded along one of the perforations 19 in         the release paper to expose a line of adhesive as in step (a).     -   f) As in FIG. 15, the line of adhesive on the jamb flange is         positioned in the corner along one side of the window frame         between the outer surface 322 of the jamb and the back surface         323 of the brickmold frame so that the flange slightly overlaps         the head flange 311 and extends below the window frame.     -   g) The release paper 18 a is removed from the portion of the         jamb flange in contact with the surface 322 of the jamb and         adhered thereto. The release paper 18 a′ is removed from the         portion of the jamb flange in contact with the back surface 323         of the brickmold frame and adhered to the back surface of the         brickmold frame.     -   h) As shown in FIG. 15, the jamb flange is cut at the outer         corners between the lower surface of the window frame and the         outer surface of the jamb and folded onto the back surface of         the brickmold frame.     -   i) Steps (e) through (h) are repeated to install a separate jamb         flange on the other side of the window as shown in FIG. 15.     -   j) The window is installed in a wall opening per the window         manufacturer's recommended installation procedure. The installed         window is shown from the outside in FIG. 16.     -   k) The remaining release paper 18 c and 18 c′ is removed from         the head flange and the jamb flanges and the exposed adhesive         surfaces are adhered to the outside wall surface.     -   l) Optionally, most of the exposed adhesive on the head flange         is cut away, leaving a small amount of adhesive remaining along         the edges of the flange.     -   m) Self-adhering flexible flashing material 310 is adhered over         the intersection of the head and jamb flanges as shown in FIG.         17.

The flange material may be applied to the window during window fabrication. In this case, the window could be provided as it is at the end of step (i) above, and the remaining steps (j) through (m) would be carried out, for example, by the installers at a building site.

In each of the previous embodiments, the pressure sensitive adhesive used in the flange material of the invention can be butyl rubber adhesive, bituminous adhesive, acrylic, or combinations thereof (layers or blends). Additionally, the pressure sensitive adhesive can be neoprene, polymers based on epdm (ethylene propylene diene monomer) or other adhesives generally used in construction applications. The thickness of the pressure sensitive adhesive is between about 15 mils (0.38 mm) and 25 mils (0.64 mm). The pressure sensitive adhesive provides a watertight seal around fasteners that penetrate the flange material.

The material used as the coversheet material in the flange material of the invention can be any nonwoven sheet, film, coated paper, coated nonwoven sheet or nonwoven-film laminate suitable for use in a flexible flashing material. The coversheets can be polyolefin plexifilamentary film-fibril sheet, available under the tradename Tyvek® from DuPont.

Alternatively, the coversheet of the flange can be made from a relatively rigid material such as metal or plastic formed into the required shape for the various installations noted above. The rigid material would have a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer applied to provide attachment to the windows and building structure.

FIG. 18 illustrates another embodiment of the flange material 40 of the invention. According to this embodiment, flange material 40 is an elongated laminate structure formed from an elongated nonporous flexible sheet 42 having top and bottom major surfaces and a width between a first edge 42A and a second edge 42B. A top pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 44 is adhered to the top surface of the elongated nonporous flexible sheet along edge 42A over a portion of the width thereof, and a bottom pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 46 is adhered to the bottom surface of the elongated nonporous flexible sheet along edge 42B over a portion of the width thereof. The top and bottom pressure-sensitive adhesive layers are therefore offset with respect to each other in terms of width, and are opposing top and bottom exposed surfaces of pressure-sensitive adhesive. The opposing top and bottom pressure-sensitive adhesive layers occupy an appreciable width of the flange but do not extend across the entire width of the flange. The opposing top and bottom pressure-sensitive adhesive layers can each have a width of half the total width of the flange, or a width of greater than half the total width of the flange, or a width of less than half the total width of the flange. The opposing top and bottom pressure-sensitive adhesive layers can have equal or unequal widths. The top and bottom pressure-sensitive adhesive layers are covered with optional release papers 48. The nonporous flexible sheet 42 can be any nonporous sheet material including nonwoven sheet, film, coated paper, coated nonwoven sheet or nonwoven-film laminate suitable for use in a flexible flashing material, or a nonporous relatively rigid material such as sheet metal or plastic. By “nonporous” is meant that the sheet does not allow liquid water to penetrate from one side to the other.

The method for installing a non-flanged window into a wall opening whereby the interface between the window and the wall is sealed using the flange 40 according to this embodiment of the invention is similar to that described above and is illustrated in FIGS. 4-6. The method for installing a brickmold window frame into a wall opening whereby the interface between the window and the wall is sealed using the flange 40 according to this embodiment of the invention is similar to that described above as “Brickmold Method 2” and is illustrated in FIGS. 14-17.

As will be appreciated by the skilled artisan, although reference is made herein to adhering the flange material to a wall, it is also expected that the flange material of the invention can be adhered to a wall covered by a weather resistive barrier sheet.

It may be further appreciated that the flange can likewise include a sill piece appropriately installed to form a total barrier system around the wall-window interface to further preclude moisture intrusion.

Test Methods

The installations were tested for air leakage using ASTM E 283.

The installations were tested for water resistance using ASTM E 331.

The durability of the selected installations was then evaluated by subjecting the walls first to thermal cycling and re-testing for air leakage and water resistance, and secondly by subjecting the walls to wind load using ASTM E 330 for one hour in the positive direction and one hour in the negative direction, and then re-testing for water resistance. The thermal cycling of exterior walls was conducted according to AAMA (American Architectural Manufacturers Association) 501.5. Standard Test Method for Exterior Windows, Curtain Walls and Doors for Water Penetration using Dynamic Pressure.

EXAMPLES 1-4

A series of laboratory tests was designed to determine water resistance, air leakage resistance, and durability of installation using different methods and different flashing materials. Installations were carried out installing JELD-WEN® double hung wood windows (available from JELD-WEN, Klamath Falls, Oreg.) with applied brickmold frames into wood frame walls. The testing was conducted in two phases. First, air and water resistance of window installations were evaluated. Secondly, air and water resistance were evaluated after thermal cycling followed by wind loading.

Four test walls were constructed for the testing. All four walls were constructed using Spruce-Pine-Fir nominal 2 in×4 in lumber and covered with oriented strand board sheathing applied to 16 in on center studs. All walls were 5 ft wide by 7 ft 6 in high and contained one brickmold window unit. The window used in each case was a JELD-WEN® wood double hung window with applied brickmold. The windows were each 2 ft 10 in wide×3 ft 4 in high. Four different flashing installations methods were utilized as described below in Examples 1-4.

Example 1

A wall unit as described above was wrapped with Tyvek® HomeWrap® (available from E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company, Wilmington, Del.) prior to installing the window. DuPont FlexWrap™ (available from E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company) was installed on the sill per normal installation procedures recommended by the manufacturer and an adhesive foam tape was installed under the DuPont FlexWrap™ to form a back dam.

In this installation, 4 in wide DuPont StraightFlash™ (available from E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company) flashing having three perforated sections of release paper was the primary part of the flange material system. Head and jamb pieces of DuPont StraightFlash™ were installed on the head and sides of the window prior to installation of the window into the rough opening, using the above-described Brickmold Method 1.

With the final pieces of the release liner still covering the adhesive on the flashing installed on the brickmold window frame, the window was installed per manufacturer's recommended procedure. Next, the final pieces of release paper remaining on the window were removed, exposing a strip of butyl adhesive on the exterior of the wall adjacent the window on each side. Next, another covering piece of 4 in wide DuPont StraightFlash™ flashing with similarly perforated release paper was applied over this as follows. One of the release papers along the edge of the flashing was removed, and the edge of the exposed butyl was placed flush adjacent the corner between the outer surface of the brickmold frame and the exterior surface of the wall such that the edge of the butyl touched the inside of the corner. Once the butyl edge adhered to the inside corner, the rest of the exposed butyl strip was laid down onto the already installed, exposed butyl strip adjacent the window. This created a very strong butyl to butyl seal. This seal created the flange material.

The procedure for installing a covering piece of flashing was repeated on other side of the window.

Finally, the flange material system was completed and integrated into the wall by removing the last two strips of release paper from the covering pieces of flashing and laying the exposed butyl adhesive smoothly onto the exterior wall surface to complete the seal of the window-wall interface.

A metal drip cap was installed and the DuPont StraightFlash™ was installed over the drip cap followed by a flap of the previously installed Tyvek® HomeWrap®. The Tyvek® HomeWrap® was taped over the drip cap and tape was applied in a shingled fashion to avoid leakage.

Air and water resistance of this window installation are given in Table 1. Air and water resistance after thermal cycling and water resistance after wind loading of this window installation are given in Table 2.

Example 2

A wall unit as described above was wrapped with Tyvek® HomeWrap® prior to installing the window. DuPont FlexWrap™ was installed on the sill and an aluminum angle was installed under the DuPont FlexWrap™ to serve as a back dam.

The flange material was prefabricated by attaching two 4 in wide pieces of DuPont StraightFlash™ together. The flange material was installed on the window at the window head and then the jambs.

The window was installed using Brickmold Method 2 and the final pieces of release papers were removed and adhered to the Tyvek® HomeWrap™. The remaining exposed butyl on the top flange was cut away and the remaining exposed flange area was covered with a 6 in to 8 in long piece of 4 in wide DuPont StraightFlash™.

Air and water resistance of this window installation are given in Table 1. Air and water resistance after thermal cycling and water resistance after wind loading of this window installation are given in Table 2.

Example 3

A wall unit as described above was wrapped with Tyvek® HomeWrap® after the window was installed. DuPont FlexWrap™ was installed on the window sill and an aluminum angle was installed under the DuPont FlexWrap™ to serve as a back dam. The flange material was prefabricated by attaching two 4 in wide pieces of DuPont StraightFlash™ together. The flange material was installed on the window jambs. At the head of the window, a 4 in wide piece of DuPont StraightFlash™ was adhered to the top of the window frame and the back of the decorative brickmold with the final piece of release paper facing out above the decorative brickmold using Brickmold Method 2.

The window was installed, then the rest of the release paper on the flange material was removed and the flange material was adhered to the wall. A drip cap was installed at the head of the window and a piece of DuPont StraightFlash™ was placed over the drip cap. Then the wall was wrapped with Tyvek® HomeWrap® and the joints were taped.

Air and water resistance of this window installation are given in Table 1. Air and water resistance after thermal cycling and water resistance after wind loading of this window installation are given in Table 2.

Example 4

The window was installed into a wall unit as in Example 2 (that is using Brickmold Method 2) except that the wall unit was wrapped with Tyvek® HomeWrap® after the window was installed. The flange material for the head was fabricated in a “T” configuration by cutting a smaller piece of flashing the width of the window frame and centering it on a relatively larger piece of flashing.

Air and water resistance of this window installation are given in Table 1. Air and water resistance after thermal cycling and water resistance after wind loading of this window installation are given in Table 2. TABLE 1 Air Air Air Air Air Air Infiltration Infiltration Infiltration Exfiltration Exfiltration Exfiltration Water Water Ex. at 0.56 psf at 1.57 psf at 6.24 psf at 0.56 psf at 1.57 psf at 6.24 psf Test at Test at No. (cfm/ft²) (cfm/ft²) (cfm/ft²) (cfm/ft²) (cfm/ft²) (cfm/ft²) 0.56 psf 1.56 psf 1 0.33 0.60 1.28 0.40 0.73 1.70 Pass Pass 2 0.29 0.53 1.15 0.33 0.62 1.37 Pass Pass 3 0.16 0.28 0.65 0.13 0.26 0.63 Pass Pass 4 0.09 0.18 0.45 0.13 0.26 0.67 Pass Pass

TABLE 2 Air Air Air Air Air Air Infiltration Infiltration Infiltration Exfiltration Exfiltration Exfiltration Water Water Static Static Water Water Ex. at 0.56 psf at 1.57 psf at 6.24 psf at 0.56 psf at 1.57 psf at 6.24 psf Test at Test at Load at Load at Test at Test at No. (cfm/ft²) (cfm/ft²) (cfm/ft²) (cfm/ft²) (cfm/ft²) (cfm/ft²) 0.56 psf 1.56 psf +10.42 psf −10.42 psf 0.56 psf 1.56 psf 1 0.39 0.74 1.69 0.34 0.62 1.30 Pass/ Pass/ Pass Pass Pass/ Pass/ Leak¹ Leak² Leak¹ Leak² 2 0.36 0.63 1.40 0.32 0.54 1.15 Pass/ Pass/ Pass Pass Pass/ Pass/ Leak¹ Leak¹ Leak¹ Leak¹ 3 0.14 0.26 0.63 0.20 0.28 0.65 Pass Pass/ Pass Pass Pass Pass/ Leak¹ Leak¹ 4 0.13 0.26 0.67 0.09 0.18 0.45 Pass Pass Pass Pass Pass Pass/ Leak³ ¹Water laying on front edge of sill plate. ²Water percolating at right side of bottom corner of sill plate. ³Water entered at the right side interior window sill leg. In both Tables 1 and 2 cfm means cubic feet per minute and psf means pounds per square foot.

None of the leaks observed involved the installed flange material of the invention. None of the leaks were considered to be significant. In all examples, even after static load testing, the water did not get past the installed flange material of the invention to the interior plane of the installed window. These results demonstrate the durability of the flange in use. 

1. A self-adhering flange material, comprising: an elongated nonporous flexible sheet having top and bottom major surfaces and a width between a first edge and a second edge; a top pressure-sensitive adhesive layer adhered to the top surface of the flexible sheet along the first edge over a portion of the width of the flexible sheet; and a bottom pressure-sensitive adhesive layer adhered to the bottom surface of the flexible sheet along the second edge over a portion of the width of the flexible sheet.
 2. The flange material of claim 1 further comprising release paper covering the opposing top and bottom pressure-sensitive adhesive layers.
 3. The flange material of claim 2 wherein the release paper is perforated such that the release paper may be removed in strips having a width less than the width of the pressure-sensitive adhesive surface that the release paper covers.
 4. The flange material of claim 1 wherein the pressure-sensitive adhesive is selected from the group consisting of butyl rubber adhesive, bituminous adhesive, acrylic, neoprene, epdm-based polymer and combinations thereof.
 5. The flange material of claim 1 wherein the nonporous flexible sheet is selected from the group consisting of nonporous nonwoven sheets, nonporous films, nonporous coated papers, nonporous coated nonwoven sheets, nonporous nonwoven-film laminates, nonporous plastic and nonporous metal.
 6. A flange for sealing interfaces between fenestration products and walls comprising the flange material of any of claims 1-5.
 7. A method for installing a non-flanged window into a wall opening whereby the interface between the window and the wall is sealed, the method comprising the steps of: a) adhering the top pressure-sensitive adhesive surface of a head piece of the flange material according to claim 1 to the top surface of the head of the window and the outer surface of the upper portion of each jamb of the window; b) adhering a separate jamb piece of the flange material according to claim 1 to the outer surface of the entire length of each jamb of the window, thereby covering the head piece of the flange material adhered to each jamb in step (a); c) installing the window in the wall opening such that the head of the window is located at the top of the wall opening and the unadhered portions of the head piece and jamb pieces of flange material of step (a) and step (b) extend outward from the wall; d) adhering the unadhered portions of the pieces of flange material of step (a) and step (b) to the wall above and adjacent each jamb of the window such that the head piece covers an upper portion of the jamb pieces. 